Portret van Petrus Apianus by Cornelis Galle I

Portret van Petrus Apianus c. 1597 - 1599

Cornelis Galle I's Profile Picture

Cornelis Galle I

1576 - 1650

Location

Rijksmuseum
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Artwork details

Medium
graphic-art, print, engraving
Dimensions
height 140 mm, width 108 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Tags

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portrait

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graphic-art

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baroque

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print

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old engraving style

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11_renaissance

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line

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engraving

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columned text

About this artwork

Cornelis Galle I created this portrait of Petrus Apianus as an engraving. The visual field is rich with symbolic details. Note the prominent insects and moths flanking Apianus's portrait. These creatures, often associated with transformation and knowledge, are set against the circular frame containing Apianus's name and profession: "Astrologvs." Insects, like moths and butterflies, have long been symbols of metamorphosis and the soul's journey. Consider the ancient Greek myth of Psyche, whose name means both "soul" and "butterfly," heralding a transformation through trials and tribulations. In contrast, Apianus's context links these images to scientific discovery and a broader understanding of the cosmos. The tension between the arcane and the empirical reveals the powerful forces that engage viewers on a subconscious level, illustrating how ancient symbols can resurface and evolve. This emphasizes the non-linear and cyclical progression, where symbols are continuously reinterpreted across time.

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